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The Ultimate Hit-List for Driving to the Catskills

There’s almost always a level of uncertainty that comes with renting a car. It’s often downright tedious. There’s the excessive paperwork, unexpected costs and then of course, the variable of what kind of car you will end up with. Silvercar is the opposite of that experience. You know exactly what you’re getting: an Audi. And the process is simple. Reserve and pick-up with Silvercar’s mobile app, scan a barcode on the car upon arrival, tick a few boxes on your phone and drive off the lot. There’s a “fair fueling” policy (you’re be billed at the current local premium fuel rate for exactly what you use with a $5 fill-up fee or you can fill up on your own), the insurance cost is completely straightforward, and there are unexpected free amenities like ski racks in Denver or Salt Lake City locations, Audi’s onboard navigation, satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. At the end of the day, the product is not only premium and easy to use, the daily fees are also about comparable to the ubiquitous and less user-friendly daily rental you’ll find anywhere else. Silvercar makes a weekend out of town more fun than ever, so to encourage your future getaway, here’s a quick hit list on how to make the most of a short trip to the Catskills, centered around the charming town of Narrowsburg, New York.

Where to Stay

The Arnold House

A two-hour drive from New York, The Arnold House is an unfussy, 9-room inn set on seven acres around Shandelee Mountain in the western Catskills. Run by husband and wife Kirsten Harlow Foster and Sims Foster along with their English bulldog Adelaide, the century-old building underwent a full renovation in 2014. You’ll find a top notch tavern, complete with a jukebox and pool table, a full spa, as well as a lake house for rent, and on-site bonfires in warmer months.

Where to Eat

The Laundrette

Set in a former laundromat, this wood-fired pizza spot is situated directly beside the Delaware River. It’s more than just scenic — the food is made with incredible care. All of the dough is naturally leavened sourdough and all ingredients are local and organic wherever possible. If you’re not into carbs, there’s also great salad and veggies. Not to mention, the drinks aren’t bad either. It opened in late 2016 and quickly became a town favorite.

Where to Drink

The Heron

Another husband and wife venture, The Heron sits on Narrowsburg Main Street as the most notable haunt in town. The vibe is casual and friendly, which is only part of the draw. There’s no skimping on the quality of ingredients here. The cocktails are ultra well-made classics: we recommend the Brown Derby with rye, grapefruit and honey or a simple Madeline, a twist on the easy Old Fashioned, made with Catskill Provisions Honey Whiskey. And if you find yourself hungry after a few drinks, The Heron is serving some of the best food in the area.

Where to Shop

One Grand Books

Overlooking the Delaware River, this petite but highly curated bookstore was founded by Brooklyn-based journalist Aaron Hicklin in 2015. Hicklin enlists artists, actors, writers and beyond (think Tilda Swinton, Tom Hanks or Alice Waters) to pick ten desert island books a piece — each curating a shelf in his shop. It’s a perfect place to get lost. Linger a while and Hicklin will kindly serve you tea as well as happily give recommendations to the best spots on main street.

What to See

Mildred’s Lane

Mildred’s Lane is just across the state border in Pennsylvania. It’s an unusual and equally special arts site, much worth the drive over from New York. Perhaps best called a collection of curiosities, the site is a self-described living museum, which is set on 96 acres. It’s part art institution, part gallery and part storefront run by J. Morgan Puett and Mark Dion, together with their son Grey Rabbit Puett. Do contact them in advance, as reservations are essential.

Where to Drive

Hawk’s Nest Highway

Heading upstate is really for one thing: getting out of the city. There’s no better way to drive that home than admiring the scenery from the lookout on Hawk’s Nest Highway. Take in the view of the treetops from the windy road and then park and perch. It will soothe even the grumpiest of city dwellers.

Made using the same functional materials as sleeping bags — materials like water-repellent down insulation and ripstop nylon shells — camp blankets are perfect for warm weather camping and fit right in inside the home too.